Brussels, 01 Jun 2005

ASD, the aerospace and defence industries association of Europe, has welcomed the Commission's recent communication on the creation of a European Space Policy, but emphasised that current funding levels are 'not sufficient'.

The communication published on 24 May gave details, for the first time, of the likely components of the policy, namely: a strategy outlining objectives; a definition of the roles and responsibilities of the main actors; a European Space Programme identifying the priorities of the main actors; and a set of implementing principles.

'Space policy relies on certain fundamental elements for its implementation, such as access to space, technology base, industrial capabilities, ground facilities etc. This has to be ensured with a proper strategy and the financial aspects have to be in place. It is extremely encouraging that greater common EU focus is given to the space sector that serves the interest of all the citizens,' reads an ASD statement.

The association also emphasises the important role that space plays for European competitiveness, and emphasises in particular the fields of telecommunications, navigation and monitoring of environmental hazards.

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'However, the current level of public co-funding for space activities supported through the EU R&D [research and development] Framework Programme is not sufficient in itself,' states ASD. 'The sector's specificities, such as the public nature of a large share of its customers, its sovereign character and the multiple use of its applications, should also be taken into account when funding is provided.'

The Director for Space at ASD, Alain Gaubert, proposed the introduction of new funding mechanisms: 'In addition to the EU contribution to the European Space Policy through the Seventh Framework Programme, we believe that new financial mechanisms need to be developed which would allow procurement of assets and funding of infrastructures,' he said.

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